What Happened
- NTPC Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Électricité de France (EDF) on April 8, 2026, to explore cooperation in developing new nuclear power projects in India.
- The MoU was signed by NTPC's Chief General Manager of Nuclear Cell and EDF's Senior Vice President for International Nuclear Development.
- The agreement covers: assessing EDF's EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) technology suitability for India, maximising domestic manufacturing and localisation, exploring economic and tariff frameworks, developing human resource capabilities via training, evaluating project sites, and providing technical support.
- NTPC intends to achieve 30 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, forming part of India's larger target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
- NTPC has established a wholly owned nuclear subsidiary — NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam Limited (NPUNL) — incorporated in January 2025 — to drive its nuclear expansion programme.
Static Topic Bridges
Nuclear Power in India: Regulatory and Institutional Framework
Nuclear power in India is governed by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and regulated by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under the Prime Minister's Office, oversees all nuclear activities. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has traditionally been the sole entity authorised to construct and operate nuclear power plants in India; however, recent policy amendments have opened participation to other public sector entities like NTPC through joint ventures and subsidiaries.
- India operates a three-stage nuclear power programme: Stage 1 (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors using natural uranium), Stage 2 (Fast Breeder Reactors using plutonium), Stage 3 (Thorium-based reactors).
- As of 2026, India's total installed nuclear capacity is approximately 7,480 MW from 22 operational reactors.
- NTPC's nuclear subsidiary NPUNL was incorporated in January 2025; a joint venture (ASHVINI) with NPCIL is developing a 4×700 MW project in Banswara, Rajasthan.
- India's civil nuclear trajectory was transformed by the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (123 Agreement) which ended India's nuclear isolation.
Connection to this news: The NTPC-EDF MoU builds on India's post-2008 opening to international nuclear cooperation and represents a significant step toward NTPC's ambition to become a major nuclear power producer alongside NPCIL.
EDF's EPR Technology and Jaitapur Project
EDF's EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) is a Generation III+ reactor design with a capacity of approximately 1,650 MW per unit, known for high fuel efficiency, passive safety systems, and a 60-year operational lifespan. India-France civil nuclear cooperation dates to a 2008 bilateral agreement, with the flagship project being the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra — proposed to host 6 EPR units for a total capacity of 9,900 MW, which would make it the world's largest nuclear power plant by capacity.
- The Jaitapur project has faced environmental clearance delays; the clearance expired in December 2022 and is under renewal as of 2026.
- India and France signed a cooperation agreement in 2023 for exploring EDF-BHEL collaboration and EDF's Nuward small modular reactor (SMR).
- The EPR reactor has been deployed at Flamanville (France), Olkiluoto (Finland), and Taishan (China).
- France and India also agreed in 2023 to explore Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) partnerships.
Connection to this news: The NTPC-EDF MoU expands India-France nuclear partnership beyond the existing NPCIL-EDF engagement, potentially accelerating both the EPR deployment pathway and localisation of nuclear manufacturing in India.
India's Energy Transition and Nuclear Power's Role
India has committed to achieving net zero by 2070 and sourcing 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. Nuclear power — as a baseload, low-carbon, dispatchable energy source — is central to India's long-term energy strategy. The Union Budget 2025-26 announced an amendment to the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate greater private sector involvement in nuclear power.
- India's electricity demand is projected to triple by 2047, requiring massive expansion of all low-carbon sources.
- Nuclear power offers a capacity factor above 90%, unlike intermittent solar and wind.
- India's 100 GW nuclear target by 2047 requires building approximately 80+ GW of new nuclear capacity — far exceeding current build rates.
- The government has proposed fleet-mode construction of reactors to reduce costs and construction timelines.
Connection to this news: NTPC's 30 GW nuclear target by 2047 is a direct response to India's energy security imperatives, and the EDF MoU positions NTPC to access proven reactor technology and international expertise to meet that target.
Key Facts & Data
- NTPC's nuclear capacity target: 30 GW by 2047.
- India's overall nuclear capacity target: 100 GW by 2047.
- Current installed nuclear capacity in India: approximately 7,480 MW (22 reactors).
- NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam Limited (NPUNL) incorporated: January 7, 2025.
- EDF's EPR reactor capacity: approximately 1,650 MW per unit.
- Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (Maharashtra): 6 EPR units, proposed total 9,900 MW.
- India-France civil nuclear cooperation framework established: 2008.
- NTPC-NPCIL joint venture (ASHVINI): 4×700 MW project in Banswara, Rajasthan, first unit targeted by FY 2032–33.